There was a small plane crash in Bridgewater Township, Michigan on June 10, 2024. According to reports, a single-engine Piper PA-28 crashed in a field close to the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport. The plane had two people on board, a flight instructor and student pilot. The flight instructor is confirmed to have been killed in the crash, with the student suffering severe injuries. Witnesses indicate there were no engine noises coming from the plane prior to the accident. The crash remains under investigation.
A plane crash where witnesses reported no engine noises prior to impact suggests a potential engine failure or complete engine shutdown as a primary cause. Engine failure can occur due to a variety of reasons, including mechanical issues, fuel system malfunctions, or electrical failures. Mechanical issues might involve the breakdown of critical engine components such as the turbine, compressor, or combustion chamber, which can cease engine operations. Fuel system malfunctions, such as clogged fuel lines, contaminated fuel, or a faulty fuel pump, can also prevent the engine from receiving the necessary fuel to operate. Electrical failures, including issues with the ignition system or control units, can disrupt engine functionality, leading to a sudden and complete loss of power.
Another potential cause could be related to pilot error or mismanagement of the aircraft systems. If the pilot inadvertently shut down the engines or failed to follow proper emergency procedures, it could result in a loss of engine power. Additionally, if the aircraft ran out of fuel due to miscalculation or oversight, the engines would cease to function, resulting in a silent descent. Pilots are trained to handle engine failures through specific protocols and emergency checklists, but in high-stress situations, errors can occur, contributing to the accident. It’s also possible that the aircraft encountered severe weather conditions or turbulence, which could have compounded the situation, making it more difficult for the pilot to manage an already critical situation.
Investigating agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will thoroughly examine the aircraft’s maintenance records, engine components, fuel systems, and pilot actions to determine the exact cause of the engine failure. They will also analyze the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) to gather crucial information about the aircraft’s performance and pilot responses in the moments leading up to the crash. This comprehensive investigation helps to identify any mechanical failures, human errors, or other contributing factors, ultimately leading to recommendations aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future.
There have been a number of recent plane accidents in 2024. A Piper PA-28 plane crashed shortly after taking-off from Gray’s Creek Airport in Cumberland County, North Carolina on May 26, 2024. A Cessna 172S plane crashed in Volusia County, Florida on May 26, 2024. A F-35 Fighter Jet crashed near the Albuquerque International Sunport in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 28, 2024. There was a hot air balloon crash in Lowell, Indiana on June 2, 2024. A Beechcraft 35 plane crashed in Arvada, Colorado on June 7, 2024.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving the failure of necessary equipment on a plane or helicopter in both federal and state court across the country. When it comes to aviation, safety must come first. Our attorneys have extensive experience in plane and helicopter crash litigation and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured in a plane or helicopter crash. The experienced aviation attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a crash. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.